As we near the end of the term, I reflect on a very busy few weeks in which Wyvern students have been involved in an array of exciting and challenging activities. No doubt, the boys are looking forward to their summer holiday break.

Before we get there we have some important events to enjoy including the Year 6 Evening of Eminence on Tuesday 29 November, Kindy, Year 1 and Year 2 end of year presentations next week. Year 6 Graduation on Monday 5 December and finally our Annual Prize Giving Ceremony (Years 3-6) on Wednesday 7 December. Prize Giving is primarily an occasion to celebrate the very good contribution of all of our students across the year. We also acknowledge a number of boys who have excelled in a range of pursuits. Decision making around award recipients can be excruciatingly difficult for staff, but we do seek to be fair, transparent and ultimately reward effort. Our key message to the boys at this time is that no one is entitled to receive an award. If they are lucky enough to do so, we expect them to be proud but humble. For those who are disappointed, we encourage them to be generous in acknowledging the achievement of their peers.

Students will have the change to meet their 2017 class teachers next Thursday 1 December. Note, you will soon receive a letter informing you about your son’s class teacher. The class allocation process at Wyvern is exceptionally detailed and thorough involving the teachers, the boys plus the opportunity for parental input. Nonetheless with all change comes challenge (a good thing) and there will be a mix of excitement and nervousness as we approach ‘One Up’ morning. My advise and request to parents is to communicate a positive message to our son about their 2017 teacher. We are very fortunate to have such high calibre staff who are excited about the prospect of teaching your sons next year.

At the end of the term Mr Niall Martin, Year 2 teacher, who has been covering a maternity leave this year will be leaving Wyvern. We thank Mr Martin for his very good contribution and wish him well for his future teaching career. 

I am pleased to announce two new exciting appointments for 2017. Mr Tony Cross, current Year 4 Team Leader will be taking on the role of ICT Facilitator to the preparatory schools. He will spend 4 days at Wyvern and 1 day at Lindfield. The new position of STEM teacher will also start in 2017. The role is to enhance our Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths approach in a team teaching context. Ms Lindsay Bosch will be taking on this exciting new role. Ms Bosch has extensive experience as a leader and curriculum expert in independent schools in Sydney and has a strong science teaching background.

My sincere thanks for your wonderful support of the Barnardos Christmas Gift Appeal. The front foyer is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate due to your overwhelming generosity. The last day for gift donations will be Friday 2 December.

I also wish to acknowledge the tremendous work of the P&F this year. The steadfast support shown to all areas of the school benefits all boys so much. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to departing P&F Exec members whose contribution to the school has been immense. Manuela Ayoub, Sarah Alden, and Nicole Newson will be stepping down from their roles at the end of the year. Mrs Natalie Mina will also step down as President of the P&F after many years of support plus 3 years as President. Natalie has made a superb contribution and for that I sincerely thank her.

Finally, Semester 2 student reports will be available on Newington Spaces from 4.00pm on Monday 5 December. Please click here for further instructions on how to access your son’s Semester 2 School Report.

Ian Holden
Head of Wyvern House